Chapter 607: Imperial Academy Lecture and Moral Blackmail

Late May.

Chang'an.

Dawn was just breaking, the night had not yet faded, and a faint fish‑belly white spread across the eastern horizon.

The hazy morning mist, wrapping the early‑summer chill, drifted over the vermilion walls of the Imperial Academy, clinging to the newly sprouted branches of the locust tree by the road, making its dark‑green leaves glisten.

On the Blue Bricks corridor of the Imperial Academy, a rapid footfall shattered the morning's silence.

Dozens of Imperial Academy students dressed in teal robes lifted their hems and quick‑stepped toward the three‑zhang‑high white‑stone platform in the courtyard.

In the faint morning light, their youthful faces showed a hint of haste, and fine beads of sweat dotted their foreheads.

Among the crowd, Shen Zaizhou strode forward, lifted his hand to smooth the slightly wrinkled fabric on his shoulder, and straightened his askew collar.

He had clear features; turning his head toward a few classmates whose steps lagged, he lowered his voice and urged, "Walk faster!"

"Today Wei Siyie is to give a lecture; arriving late would be bad!"

At his words, Song Tingwu beside him immediately nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Song Tingwu's cheeks flushed bright red from running, yet he kept pace with Shen Zaizhou, responding in a hollow tone, "Right!"

"Hurry up, we can't be late!"

When the two spoke, the surrounding classmates dared not linger, perked up, and quickened their steps a few more strides.

For a moment, the footfalls on the corridor grew denser; fluttering robes stirred a faint soap‑fruit fragrance that mingled with the scent of grass and trees in the mist, spreading through the air.

Soon, everyone arrived breathless beneath the platform.

Lin Jingshu leaned against a nearby Lao Huai Shu, bent over and let out a long sigh, his voice tinged with obvious panting, "Huh!"

He raised his hand to lightly pat his chest, waited for his breath to settle, then lifted his head, stood on tiptoe to glance at the empty platform, and said with lingering nerves, "We finally made it!"

"Wei Siyie hasn't arrived yet..."

As soon as the words fell, Lou Guanshu beside him wiped the sweat from his forehead.

At that moment, beads of sweat ran down his cheek; he grabbed the towel at his waist to wipe them, huffed, and nodded, echoing Lin Jingshu.

The surrounding classmates dispersed, gathering in small groups, each rubbing their sore calves and speaking softly.

The morning light grew brighter, dispersing the thin mist; flags around the platform fluttered gently in the breeze, producing a rustling sound.

At that moment, Lin Wuke suddenly approached, placing a hand on Song Tingwu's shoulder.

His brows and eyes showed curiosity, his voice pressed low, "Why is Wei Siyie giving a lecture today all of a sudden?"

"We haven't heard the scholars mention him in the past few days..."

Song Tingwu, hearing this, first shook his head; his plump face full of doubt, "How would I know?"

"Wei Siyie has never liked sudden moves..."

Speaking, he suddenly furrowed his brows, thoughtfully rubbing his chin, and after a moment lowered his voice to guess, "Perhaps... perhaps it relates to the recent incident?"

"I think so too!" Shen Zaizhou, who happened to hear their conversation, immediately stepped over, nodded, his eyes heavy, "The Huazhou incident was all over the city recently; rumors have already spread throughout Chang'an..."

Before he could finish, Lou Guanshu cut him off with a low shout.

Lou Guanshu, who had been staring at the platform, narrowed his eyes, tugged Shen Zaizhou's sleeve, his voice low yet undeniably stern, "Stop the idle talk!"

"Wei Siyie and his party have arrived!"

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill and quickly shut their mouths.

The bustling chatter vanished instantly; the Imperial Academy students straightened their robes, and in their usual order, stood in neat rows.

Everyone looked up toward the platform's entrance, faces respectful and solemn.

The morning light grew stronger, spilling onto the white‑stone platform and reflecting a dazzling glare.

Two figures were seen, slowly stepping out from a room behind the platform.

Leading the way was Director Wei Heqing.

He wore a scarlet official robe, a jade belt at his waist, his face handsome yet his expression very solemn; his eyes, sharp as an eagle's, swept the crowd below, exuding an unspoken authority.

Close behind was Supervisory Assistant Tao Yunshi, also in a sanctioned scarlet official robe, walking beside Director Wei Heqing up the platform.

The two reached the central desk of the platform and stopped; Director Wei Heqing first bowed slightly toward the students below and announced loudly, "Greetings, students!"

His voice carried through the morning air, reaching every ear clearly.

Hundreds of Imperial Academy students below immediately bowed and replied in unison, "Greetings, Director Wei!"

Their voices were uniform, echoing across the open courtyard with a youthful clarity tinged with reverence.

Director Wei Heqing gave a slight nod, his gaze scanning the young faces below; without any idle words, he got straight to the point and asked loudly again, "Students, you have heard about the recent Huazhou incident, right?"

At his words, the students' expressions hardened, and they answered in unison, "Heard it!"

Their voices remained uniform, but now carried a weightier tone.

Director Wei Heqing seemed pleased and continued, "You also know that Chen Sacrificial Wine personally oversaw the execution of those corrupt officials, correct?"

"Understood!" the crowd replied again in unison, their voices carrying a hint of complexity.

Below, Lin Jingshu blinked slightly, muttering silently, "How could anyone not know? The whole of Chang'an has heard..."

An involuntary trace of regret appeared on his face.

Earlier, Governor Yao Hongnian of Huazhou, Chief Clerk Du Duoyi, and Household Staff Officer Pei Min set fire to an inn, killing over twenty officials...

The Emperor and the Grand Preceptor were enraged, ordering the three to be escorted back to the Capital, to be personally executed by Lord Chen Yan alongside Du Zhuguo and Pei Zhuguo.

That day, the area around the lone willow execution ground in Chang'an was packed, and everyone wanted to see what fate awaited those three treacherous officials.

Lin Jingshu had originally wanted to join the excitement and see Lord Chen Yan's demeanor in person...

But that day the Imperial Academy had class; the newly appointed Supervisory Assistant Tao Yunshi was extremely strict, allowing no leave, and there was no way to skip, so Lin had to give up. Later, hearing his classmates' vivid descriptions, he regretted it for a while!

Not only Lin Jingshu, but the other students below also showed similar expressions—anger, regret, and a measure of admiration for Chen Yan.

Director Wei Heqing surveyed everyone's expressions, gave a slight nod, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd, and asked loudly again, "Now I ask you all: should Yao Hongnian, Du Duoyi, and Pei Min be executed?"

His question was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirring countless ripples.

The students all set their faces straight, the hint of regret they had earlier completely vanished, replaced by full‑blown indignation.

They almost simultaneously straightened their backs, exerting all their strength, and shouted in unison:

"Should be killed!"

The two words cracked like thunder in the dim morning light of the Imperial Academy courtyard, shaking the flags beside the Gaotai into a rustling clatter.

The voice carried the youthful hot‑blood and sincere fervor, lingering for a long time.

Wei Heqing stood on the Gaotai, the morning wind fluttering the crimson edges of his official robe, sunlight breaking through the clouds, casting his upright figure onto the Qingshi Shiban platform, sharp‑edged and distinct.

He gazed at the rows of flushed, righteous‑fury young faces below, his previously clenched jaw line softening slightly, a flash of approval flickering in his deep eyes.

"Good!"

The single word fell like metal striking stone, making the students' eardrums buzz, and the previously raging indignation seemed reignited by that sound.

Many instinctively straightened their spines, eyes burning as they stared at the Siye official on the Gaotai.

Wei Heqing swept his gaze, his sharp eyes cutting through the crowd, suddenly raising his voice, proclaiming, "Yang Qianmo, step forward!"

"Come forward!"

The shout rang like a bolt of thunder among the crowd, and the previously silent Imperial Academy students instantly stirred with a faint commotion.

Countless gazes simultaneously shot toward the boy on the left side of the crowd.

Yang Qianmo, only seventeen, had a face as white as jade, handsome brows and eyes, a meticulously fitted blue robe, and a jade belt at his waist that looked more exquisite and noble than those of his peers.

He hailed from the Hongnong Yang Clan, the legitimate son of a top Guanzhong aristocratic family, and even in the talent‑rich Imperial Academy he was considered a person of high standing.

Suddenly called out, Yang Qianmo was first stunned, his complexion paling a few shades, then he snapped back, quickly bowing and replying, "Yes!"

His voice was not loud, even carrying a barely perceptible tremor.

He steadied himself, pushed aside the classmate beside him, and with slightly stiff steps walked step by step toward the Gaotai.

The Qingshi steps, warmed by the morning light, felt icy under his feet; each step felt as if he were treading on a knife's tip.

Behind him, countless inquisitive, curious, even gloating eyes seemed ready to burn two holes through his back.

When Yang Qianmo reached the edge of the Gaotai and stood upright, Wei Heqing slowly withdrew his gaze, looking down from above with calm, unruffled eyes that nonetheless bore a pressure that seemed to read his mind.

"I have a few questions for you…" Wei Heqing's voice was not loud, yet each word was clear, carried by the wind to every ear below.

Yang Qianmo lowered his head, his hands gripping his robe tightly, knuckles whitening, his throat rolling once as he whispered, "Yes."

His heart seemed about to leap into his throat, his mind a chaos, unable to guess why Wei Siye had suddenly singled him out.

Was it because his mind wandered during the earlier admonition and was noticed?

Or perhaps something in his daily words and deeds was improper, angering this notoriously strict Siye official?

Wei Heqing seemed to see through his nervousness, yet offered no comfort; instead he cleared his throat, his gaze suddenly sharp, his tone carrying a hint of implication as he asked slowly, "Yang Qianmo, lately have you privately, together with fellow aristocratic classmates, slandered the examination‑appointment system?"

"And spoken harshly against it, taking a contrary stance?"

The words rang out, and the whole hall gasped!

Below the Gaotai, the Imperial Academy students who had been whispering suddenly inhaled a cold breath, and the murmuring grew louder.

Yang Qianmo seemed struck by lightning, his whole body jolting, his expression freezing instantly, as if slapped hard, his complexion draining completely to a stark pallor.

He jerked his head up, eyes wide, staring at Wei Heqing in disbelief, his gaze full of astonishment and terror, his heart roiling like a storm: How did Wei Siye know?!

Those remarks were made by him and a few aristocratic youths in a secluded corner of the Imperial Academy, never spoken even a single word in public.

Wei Siye, holding a high position, somehow knew even such secret matters?

He opened his mouth, his throat as if blocked, and after a moment forced out a single word, his voice hoarsely dry: "This…"

The shock and panic filled his heart, leaving Yang Qianmo momentarily at a loss for how to answer.

Admit?

That would be openly opposing the Court's official selection method, with unthinkable consequences…

Deny?

Since Wei Siye had already exposed it face‑to‑face, he must hold solid evidence; a lie would only add to the crime.

Below, Shen Zaizhou watched the scene clearly.

He had long heard that Yang Qianmo and some underperforming aristocratic youths harbored complaints about the examination‑appointment system…

At this moment, seeing Wei Siye suddenly raise a challenge, he couldn't help lightly elbowing the nearby Song Tingwu, lowering his voice, his tone full of astonishment: "Wei Siye isn't about to start a prosecution, is he?!"

Song Tingwu wore a solemn expression, brows furrowed, looking at the pallid Yang Qianmo on the Gaotai, then at the inscrutable Wei Heqing, his Adam's apple moving as he whispered, "Who knows?"

"Wei Siye has always been impartial and unyielding; Yang Qianmo this time is probably doomed…"

Their whispered words, though soft, were still heard by several nearby classmates, who all nodded silently, their faces showing a hint of voyeuristic interest.

In the crowd, Xue Ji stared at Yang Qianmo's lone silhouette, brows knit, sighing silently, muttering to himself, "Ah Mo is probably being made an example; trouble may follow…"

The Hongnong Yang Clan is a renowned aristocratic family; although Yang Qianmo was not flamboyant in the Imperial Academy, he still held himself in high regard.

Now being publicly questioned by Wei Siye, even if he escapes punishment, his reputation is surely ruined.

On the other side, Lin Jingshu wore an uncontrollable excitement, his eyes sparkling with a hint of schadenfreude, leaning close to a classmate's ear, whispering with a lively tone, "Looks like we'll have a good show today!"

The classmate also nodded repeatedly, a cold smile curling his lips, whispering, "Of course!"

"Without even considering the setting, daring to slander the Court's new policies in private, that Hongnong Yang Clan brat probably won't get away alive…"

For a moment, the murmurs below swirled, a tapestry of voices.

Yet everyone deliberately lowered their volume, like a muffled thunder before an approaching storm.

On the Gaotai, Wei Heqing took in Yang Qianmo's reaction fully, and heard the whispered gossip below clearly.

He did not become angry; instead he slowly raised his hand, signaling silence below, then calmly addressed Yang Qianmo, "Do not be nervous; I have no intention of holding you accountable!"

"Nor will I punish you!"

"Just answer truthfully!"

Those words were like a calming pill, instantly relaxing Yang Qianmo's tense nerves.

It also left the students below the stage all stunned, their faces full of disbelief.

Yang Qianmo stared blankly at Wei Heqing, seeing his expression open and sincere, not feigned, and his hanging heart eased a little.

He steadied himself, weighed his words briefly, then gritted his teeth and replied calmly, "Yes."

When the words fell, it was as if a thousand‑pound burden was lifted; his shoulders sagged slightly, then, as if recalling something, after wrestling with himself he hurried to add, "The students discussed a few points and also complained to them…"

That was indeed the truth; he and many aristocratic youths had been pampered since childhood, well‑versed in the classics.

Relying on their family's protection, they could have easily entered officialdom.

Now the Court implements examinations for appointments, selecting officials regardless of background, only on talent, undoubtedly cutting off many aristocrats' shortcuts; feeling dissatisfied is understandable…

Wei Heqing, hearing this, nodded without comment, his gaze sweeping from Yang Qianmo's face, slowly gliding over the audience below.

It finally rested on the Guozijian students from prestigious families, who subconsciously lowered their heads, unwilling to meet his eyes.

Seeing this, Wei Heqing's mouth curved slightly, and in a deep voice he asked, "Can you tell this official what you—or rather, you all—are fearing?"

"Fear what?"

Yang Qianmo startled, instinctively bowed his head, his lips moving a few times, yet no word could be spoken.

Below, dead silence, the pin drop could be heard.

Everyone fell into silence; the aristocratic youths' faces turned pale and green in turns, heads down, unwilling to speak.

Wei Heqing observed their reactions, a knowing smile flashing in his eyes; after a pause he pressed on, his voice not loud but like a hammer striking each heart, "Are you worried about failing the exam and bringing shame to your families, or fearing that you lack genuine talent and will be exposed?"

Those words were a needle to the heart, striking the deepest hidden secrets.

Below, the dead silence remained, the pin drop could be heard.

Many Guozijian students from noble families yet lacking learning turned deathly pale, heads even lower, their faces showing an unmistakable cowardice.

The answer, perhaps even they themselves dare not probe…

On the Gaotai, Tao Yunshi saw the students below all bowed in silence, some aristocratic youths' faces a mix of blue and white, their inner cowardice nearly spilling over.

He stepped forward, picking up Wei Heqing's thread, cleared his throat, his voice clear and smooth yet questioning beyond doubt, like a soft blade piercing the softest part of the heart.

"Who among you can step forward and tell this official why those with hereditary learning fear confronting their peers in the exam hall to prove themselves?"

Those words floated lightly, yet each cut the heart.

Below, ordinary students nodded silently, their gazes toward some aristocratic youths now tinged with sarcasm.

And those aristocratic youths in fine robes, jade belts, yet poor scholars, bowed even lower, fingers clutching their hems, daring not to breathe loudly.

Wei Heqing took in everything, his gaze returning to Yang Qianmo; his sharp eyes seemed to pierce the heart, his tone deliberately provocative, a naked moral trap, "Yang Qianmo, is your knowledge shallow, your ability lacking, thus causing fear?"

Those words were like a thorn, stabbing deep into Yang Qianmo's heart.

He hailed from the Hongnong Yang Clan, a top family of Guanzhong, taught from childhood never to disgrace the family name.

Having just been publicly questioned by Wei Heqing, his mind was in turmoil; now this further interrogation ignited his youthful pride like a raging fire, scorching his whole body.

Yang Qianmo thrust his head up abruptly, cheeks flushed bright red, the earlier timidity vanished, he gritted his teeth, his gaze blazing at Wei Heqing, his voice ringing powerfully with a resolute, all‑or‑nothing tone: "No!"

The word fell, striking the ground with sound.

Wei Heqing, seeing Yang Qianmo's demeanor, a barely perceptible smile flashing quickly in his eyes, was clearly very pleased with the answer.

He nodded slowly, his voice bearing a hint of praise yet still solemn, "This official wanted exactly that answer!"

Before the words finished, his tone shifted, setting another trap, his gaze sweeping the students below as he declared loudly, "Then you tell this official, tell your Guozijian peers, what to do next!"

Yang Qianmo felt a surge of determination inside, a drive to prove himself and prove the Hongnong Yang Clan was not merely a hollow name. He inhaled deeply, his chest slightly lifted, his gaze sweeping the young faces below; his voice rose and fell with clear enunciation, as if issuing a military order: "With genuine knowledge and true ability, demonstrate your worth in the exam hall!"

When those words were spoken, a low round of cheers rose from below.

Even the poor‑background scholars' gazes toward Yang Qianmo now held a hint of approval.

Wei Heqing finally showed a genuine smile, praising loudly, his resonant voice echoing through the Guozijian courtyard: "Very good!"

"This is the Hongnong Yang Clan's son!"

Having said that, he raised his hand in a gentle wave, his tone calm, "Return now!"

Yang Qianmo was first stunned, his face full of bewilderment and surprise.

He never imagined that his earlier anxiety, even preparing for severe punishment, would pass so easily.

He stared blankly at Wei Heqing, seeing his open demeanor, then quickly bowed, respectfully saluting Wei Heqing and Tao Yunshi: "Yes!"

Immediately, steadied, he turned and hurried down the Gaotai, stepping on Qingshi steps back to his own group.

As soon as he steadied himself, his peers cast inquisitive glances, yet he simply straightened his back, his face regaining its usual composure, though deep inside his heart swelled with grandeur.

Wei Heqing watched Yang Qianmo rejoin his ranks, his smile gradually fading but not turning sour, he scanned the students below and said calmly, "Next, Chen Sacrificial Wine has a few more words to tell you all…"

"Chen Sacrificial Wine?!"

"Chen Sacrificial Wine actually came too?!"

Those words struck like thunder, exploding among the crowd; the students below all jolted, faces full of incredulous surprise.

Immediately, an indescribable excitement surged in their hearts, and many could not help but let out a low shout.

Their eyes brimmed with deep admiration.

In an instant, the atmosphere below became fervent; the students rose onto tiptoes, gazes blazing toward the entrance behind the Gaotai, wishing they could sprout a pair of far‑seeing eyes.

Soon, a tall figure stepped out from behind.

The newcomer was Chen Yan, clad in a purple official robe that enhanced his dignified bearing, a jade‑inlaid belt around his waist, his steps steady, exuding authority without anger.

He ascended the Gaotai, his gaze sweeping the excited young faces below, a slight smile at his mouth, and announced loudly, "Students, long time no see!"

His voice was resonant, friendly yet still authoritative.

The students below dared not delay, quickly bowing in unison, their voices uniform and filled with heartfelt reverence: "We have seen Chen Sacrificial Wine!"

Chen Yan smiled calmly, raised his hand to signal they need not bow, and said, "The words that need to be said have already been spoken by Wei Siyi and Tao Guanceng; I will not repeat superfluous remarks…"

He paused, his gaze sweeping the students, his tone suddenly turning solemn, "This time I have come to deliver the Guozijian training I prepared, and I have specially asked the Grand Preceptor himself, the old man, to inscribe the characters personally!"

"Training manual?!"

"It's still Grand Preceptor Laoren, personally inscribed the characters?!"

Now the students below the stage erupted in a frenzy, each with a shocked expression, looking at one another, their faces full of amazement.

Chen Yan watched the excited crowd, his smile deepening, waved toward the back and called out loudly, "Bring it up!"

As soon as the words fell, four Private Soldiers of the State Duke Mansion, dressed in Xuanse Jinshen, stepped out from behind in perfect step.

All of them were towering and solemn, each bearing a huge framed wooden case on their shoulders, the case covered with a bright‑yellow silk, clearly a very precious item.

The four Private Soldiers walked steadily onto the Gaotai, placed the wooden cases in order, then respectfully stepped aside.

Chen Yan stepped forward, gently peeled back the bright‑yellow silk himself, revealing four pieces of ink treasure inside.

The scorching sun shone on the four ink‑splattered plaques; on each plaque were several bold, powerful characters, the strokes like dragons and snakes, the force penetrating the paper, all in Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu's own Handwritten Letter.

The students at the front of the line, closest to the Gaotai, were already straining their necks, eyes fixed on the four plaques, and couldn't help reciting them aloud.

Song Tingwu's face was full of awe, his voice trembling slightly, and he was the first to recite, "Establishing the heart for heaven and earth…"

Beside him, Shen Zaizhou's eyes were wide open, staring at the large characters on the plaque, pausing after each character, and continued, "Establishing destiny for the people…"

Ahead in the crowd, Xue Ji's gaze burned, a surge of indescribable heroism stirring in his chest, and he loudly recited the third line, "Continuing the lost teachings of the ancient sages…"

And Lou Guanshu, standing at the very front, clenched his fist, his voice ringing like a bell, recited the final line, the most deafening of all, "Opening peace for ten thousand generations!"